ABOUT THE BAND
Pat Benatar didn’t just ride the ’80s – she owned them! With songwriting husband Neil ‘Spyder’ Giraldo, they have built an unbreakable legacy of rock anthems that still hit hard today! The Best Of Benatar is the UK’s only dedicated tribute to this iconic duo and their back-catagloue. Recreating the 80’s-era energy and backed by a killer live band, every note from Hit Me With Your Best Shot to Love Is A Battlefield is delivered with obsessive precision: loud, unapologetic, and alive!
TRACEY ANNE WALKER – Vocals (Pat Benatar)
With a grounding in theatrical and classical singing, Tracey has developed the control, power, and precision needed to capture the distinctive tones and emotion of the Pat Benatar back catalogue. Although she has previously paid tribute to several iconic female artists including Stevie Nicks, Suzi Quatro, and Olivia Newton-John, her real passion lies in the skill, range, and challenge of Pat Benatar’s music – from soaring power ballads to punk-pop rock hits. Combined with years of experience performing lead and backing vocals in rock and blues bands, she recreates both the grit and finesse that made Benatar’s voice so iconic.
CHRIS WALKER – Guitars, Backing Vocals (Neil Giraldo)
A guitarist since the late 1970s, Chris has built a reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer, taking his playing from local stages to audiences across the UK, Europe, Mexico and the USA. His career has seen him support major acts including Saxon, Mother’s Finest, Ultravox and Santana, while earning recognition as a finalist in Guitarist Magazine’s Guitarist of the Year competition. A seasoned touring and recording musician, Chris has also released a critically acclaimed solo instrumental album, combining soaring melodies, powerful rock influences and a distinctive playing style that continues to define his sound today. He enjoys recreating Neil Giraldo’s deceptively sophisticated yet melodic playing which has been central to Pat Benatar’s sound from the beginning.
MARK RUTHERFORD – Drums & Percussion
Mark comes with years of experience and a range of skills on the kit. He has an unmatched sense of musicality and technique across many genres, derived from his experience playing and performing with many artists on a range of instruments. He is a reader, an improviser, has a steady groove and is also known for his ability to mimic the styles of other famous drummers. Mark has performed in front of thousands of people in many venues and across continents.
SIMON FEARN – Bass Guitar
Simon has gained a wealth of experience on the bass guitar over the years. Originally hailing from the East Midlands, he has played thousands of gigs, not least of which have been with one of the UK’s premier Pink Floyd tribute acts. Bringing his precision playing to ‘The Best Of Benatar’, he anchors the bottom end of the rhythm section with his instinctive and thunderous playing style.
NEIL LEEMING – Keyboards
Classically trained with a foundation as an army saxophonist, Neil took up keyboards in the mid 80’s, leaning towards the rock genre. Working both nationally and internationally over the years, he has performed in professional tributes to the likes of Meat Loaf, Queen and Toto. His keyboard sounds and synth textures lend real authenticity to ‘The Best Of Benatar’.